I saw in person a stg44 (Sturmgewehr) at a gun show earlier this year. It was not for sale, and I'm sure I didnt have enough if it was. I have always thought that it looks strikingly like it is Version 1 of the AK47. Of course the Russians do not admit this, but from looking at it, I do not think there is any way that Mikhail Kalashnikov did not have one of these in the shop while "inventing" the AK47. Not that the AK isn't improved & Significantly different, but really, look at the attached pictures. Additionally, the Russians blatently copied other designs during WW2 (Our B29, Google RUSSIAN B-29 CLONE- THE TU-4 STORY)

Picture I grabbed off of a previous post here on THR is the inside hammer. Look at the hammer & Spring arrangement. It's the same! Is this common knowledge, or am I on to something here?

...except the STG-44 is a striker fired design and the AK uses a hammer. The STG-44 is more similar to the VZ-58 rifle that the Czech's use. I think Kalashnikov was influenced by the profile of the rifle and the durability of the magazines, but decided to produce a simpler design.

The StG44 has a similar appearance, but the similarities pretty much end there as you can see from the included images.

The locking systems between the AK and the StG44 are completely two different designs.

They do use a similar gas system (long-stroke), but neither the AK or the StG44 pioneered this method of operation.

The StG44 has a modular trigger pack design whereas the AK does not.

They both use shortened versions of full power cartridges. If anything, this is something Kalashnikov copied pretty much directly.

The original AK47 had a machined receiver (although early prototypes were stamped, the Russians abandon the stamped receiver until later models of the AK were developed). The StG44 is completely stamped.

They both use pistol grip stocks... but again, this wasn't a completely new concept.

They both are select fire. The fire control parts are completely different on the two rifles.

So, I would not say the AK is a copy of the StG44. It is a copy of the concept (assault rifle) but the implementations are completely different.

The StG44 certainly inspired Kalashnikov's design, but he didn't copy the rifle.

P.S. the StG44 is hammer fired, it doesn't have a striker. You can see the hammer in the second picture the OP posted. It has a semi-conventional firing pin (wedge shaped).

...except the STG-44 is a striker fired design and the AK uses a hammer. The STG-44 is more similar to the VZ-58 rifle that the Czech's use. I think Kalashnikov was influenced by the profile of the rifle and the durability of the magazines, but decided to produce a simpler design.

Click to expand...

Nobody said they were identical in operation... or even in any other way....

I'd also point out that some of the similarities might also be examples of simple convergent design. The AVS-36, and the SVT series of self-loading rifles also featured the gas-piston mounted above the barrel a-la StG-44/AK-47, thus with the piston being above the barrel, it would necessitate that the front sights be raised up so that the shooter could aim through them. Also the M43 cartridge has a notable taper to it to aid in feeding, thus the necessity of "banana-mags" due to the natural curvature of these rounds when stacked in a magazine.

Those guys don't realize it but they're running a frickin' rifle museum over there. If they could just get their act together and auction off that collection of theirs, they could probably purchase their own island and be as separate from Ethiopia as they damn well please.

Those guys don't realize it but they're running a frickin' rifle museum over there. If they could just get their act together and auction off that collection of theirs, they could probably purchase their own island and be as separate from Ethiopia as they damn well please.

Click to expand...

Auction it off to whom exactly?

They're worth their functional value over there, wanna bust some caps, use whatever comes to hand with a handful of rounds.

They cant be imported to the US as we're whipped by our lame laws, and europeans are too limp wristed to care.

Although The High Road has attempted to provide accurate information on the forum, The High Road assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information. All information is provided "as is" with all faults without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Neither The High Road nor any of its directors, members, managers, employees, agents, vendors, or suppliers will be liable for any direct, indirect, general, bodily injury, compensatory, special, punitive, consequential, or incidental damages including, without limitation, lost profits or revenues, costs of replacement goods, loss or damage to data arising out of the use or inability to use this forum or any services associated with this forum, or damages from the use of or reliance on the information present on this forum, even if you have been advised of the possibility of such damages.